Case Study: Saskatchewan Polytechnic: Pioneering Change in Academic Scheduling with Infosilem

For years, scheduling at Saskatchewan Polytechnic was a real headache. Like many schools, they relied on Excel sheets and sticky notes—a system that worked in the past but just couldn’t keep up with modern demands. Switching to Infosilem wasn’t just a step forward; it was a complete overhaul of how they handled academic scheduling. 

This is the story of how Saskatchewan Polytechnic overcame resistance to change, embraced innovation, and set a new standard for efficient and fair scheduling. 

 

The Weight of Tradition 

For a dynamic place like Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the old scheduling system was a major drag. Each department worked in isolation, piecing together timetables with manual tools that offered little flexibility, transparency, or scalability. 

Blair Pisio, Manager of Enrollment Services Modernization and Academic Scheduling, remembers the challenges well: 

• Fragmented Processes: Schedules were built bit by bit, with limited collaboration and no centralized system. 

• Resistance to Change: The mantra “It’s been this way for 20 years” echoed through the halls, making the shift to something new seem daunting. 

• Time-Consuming Adjustments: With no efficient way to manage changes, even minor updates became major disruptions. 

The need for change was obvious, but the path forward required not just new technology but also trust. 

 

A Vision for Modernization 

Seeing the limitations of their old approach, Saskatchewan Polytechnic decided to modernize their scheduling practices. They chose Infosilem Academic and Campus, a platform designed not only to optimize scheduling but also to help manage change—a crucial need for an institution steeped in tradition. 

Infosilem brought: 

• Centralized Control: A single platform for scheduling, breaking down silos and creating a unified approach to managing timetables. 

• Flexibility to Adapt: Infosilem allowed departments to address unique needs and refine schedules in real time, something that was previously unimaginable. 

• Human-Centered Support: The Infosilem team worked closely with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, not just as software providers but as partners in change. 

 

The Challenges of Change 

Implementing a new system is never easy, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic was no exception. The biggest challenge wasn’t the technology—it was the culture. 

“Change management was huge,” Pisio noted. “We were up against decades of doing things one way, and it wasn’t easy convincing people to move forward.” 

Infosilem tackled this by showing tangible benefits early on: 

• Time Saved: As faculty and administrators saw how much faster scheduling could be, skepticism turned into enthusiasm. 

• Ease of Use: With its intuitive interface and robust training resources, Infosilem made sure even the most hesitant users could quickly get the hang of it. 

• Proven Value: Infosilem’s ability to integrate seamlessly with existing systems reassured everyone that modernization didn’t mean sacrificing stability. 

 

A Revolution in Scheduling 

The results of the transition were transformative: 

• Streamlined Operations: Moving from manual to automated scheduling eliminated inefficiencies, allowing administrators to focus on strategic priorities rather than tedious tasks. 

• A New Culture of Collaboration: Centralizing scheduling fostered communication and cooperation across departments, aligning everyone’s efforts toward shared goals. 

• Increased Confidence: Faculty and staff began to see scheduling not as a headache but as a streamlined process that empowered them to make better decisions. 

As the implementation progressed, resistance faded, replaced by excitement and possibility. “People started to see the benefits,” Pisio said. “The time savings alone were a game-changer.” 

 

The Heart of the Transformation 

What set Infosilem apart wasn’t just its technology but its approach. Saskatchewan Polytechnic experienced firsthand the company’s unwavering commitment to client success. 

“Customer service has been first-rate,” Pisio shared. “If we had a question, the team either had the answer or found it quickly. You don’t feel like just another customer—you feel like a partner.” 

This sense of partnership extended beyond implementation, with Infosilem’s support team continuing to provide guidance as Saskatchewan Polytechnic refined its processes and pushed the boundaries of what scheduling could achieve. 

 

A Future Reimagined 

Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s journey with Infosilem is a testament to the power of embracing change. By letting go of outdated methods and investing in innovation, they have redefined what’s possible in academic scheduling. 

The institution now stands as a model for others, proving that with the right tools and the right mindset, even the most entrenched processes can evolve. 

For Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Infosilem wasn’t just a scheduling solution—it was a catalyst for transformation, collaboration, and growth. And for any institution ready to take the next step, it’s a reminder that change, while challenging, is always worth it.